RAF Hospital Uxbridge

Douglas Bader arrived at the hospital in 1932 to recover after the amputation of both of his legs following a flying accident. It was during his stay that he met the Desoutter brothers who were pioneering the use of lightweight aluminium for the production of prosthetic limbs.^[1] Bader was fitted with the new style of legs and returned to active service with the RAF, to become known as "the legless pilot".^[2]

In early 1940, the officers' hospital on the station became the Women's Auxiliary Air Force Hospital,^[3] with the Officers' hospital moving to the RAF Hospital Torquay.^[4]

Citations

Bibliography

• Crozier, Hazel. (2007) RAF Uxbridge 90th Anniversary 1917–2007. RAF High Wycombe: Air Command Media Services